Boho style showcase to benefit BMI

THE Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Vintage Shop will host a Fashion Showcase next weekend to raise money for the refurbishment of the lantern light ceiling in the Heritage Reading Room.

Vintage Shop volunteer Geraldine Roberts said models will walk up and down a new catwalk in the Minerva Space, displaying outfits from the shop styled with a boho edge.

“Our models will be wearing fun combinations that all age groups could wear,” she said.

“It’s a big fundraiser for us, and all moneys raised go back to keeping this building open for the community’s use.

“It’s a relaxing afternoon, and we’re hoping to feature a pianist on the BMI’s new piano as an interlude; a refreshing break.

“It also engenders more of the membership community, plus their friends, who patronise the events.”

BMI chair Paula Nicholson said the showcase is also an opportunity to bring potential new members to the building.

“It’s a fun day that will draw a different crowd that might not have been in before,” she said.

“The vintage fashion industry is also such a drawcard now in regional towns, so our shop right at the front of the BMI adds to that value in Ballarat.

“Sometimes people come to Ballarat specifically for vintage clothes, and we are a piece of that vintage shopping puzzle in Ballarat.”

Vintage Shop volunteers including Geraldine Roberts have put together all ages outfits with a boho edge for models like Janine Dodds to wear.

Mrs Roberts said anyone is welcome to drop into the shop and get some styling assistance.

“We’re very happy to have projects to put things together for customers,” she said.

“Donna Pentland (fellow volunteer) and I work really well at formulating combinations for special occasions, dress up parties, or personal dressing.

“I’ve been with the shop for about five or six years, and it started from a Heritage Weekend exercise. We found that people wanted somewhere to donate their precious clothing where it would really be appreciated by its next owner.

“That’s what it’s turned into. We ask the background of the garment and the price range the donor considers fair, and we go from there.”

The Fashion Showcase will take place on Sunday 14 September from 2pm to 4pm in the Minerva Space, with a glass of bubbles on arrival, music accomnpaniment, silent auction and more.

Tickets are $50 per person for catwalk seating, or $35 for section two seating. Tickets are available at the library or via ballaratmi.org.au/event/vintage-collectables-fasion-parade-25.

The BMI is at 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat.